Minor Traffic Offences in Kenya and Their Corresponding Instant Fines

The Kenyan High Court ruled that minor traffic offences should be instantly fined and that, police officers are responsible for imposing them. The fines were gazetted back in September 2016 and the highest fine payable is Kes.10,000.

Instant Fines will start being imposed as from November 2018, though the method of payment is yet to be communicated to the public. A task force was formed by cabinet secretaries Fred Matiang’i -Interior, Joe Mucheru – ICT and James Macharia – Transport. The task force will be headed by Transport Principal Secretary Esther Koimett and their role is to come up with rules on paying the fines.

“Imagine these people were fined Kes.1,000, could not afford it and ended up in jails where they are consuming up to Kes.20,000 a month. Some of these issues can be addressed through these instant fines,” said CS Fred Matiang’i.

“If well managed and the payment of fines is automated, it can eliminate corruption and serve a legitimate purpose,” said High Court Judge, John Mativo when he made the ruling.

Here’s a list of part of the offences and corresponding penalties as per the Kenya Gazette Supplement No.165:

Driving without identification plates affixed or plates not fixed in the prescribed manner Ksh.10,000

Driver using a mobile phone while the vehicle is in motion Ksh.2,000

Driving through a pavement or pedestrian walkway Ksh.5,000

Failure to carry a fire extinguisher and/or reflective/warning signs will warrant a fine of Ksh.2,000

Driving without a valid drivers endorsement in respect of the class of the vehicle Ksh.3,000